The curtain is set to fall on John Cena‘s illustrious in-ring career. The iconic professional wrestler revealed his forthcoming retirement from WWE during an unexpected appearance at the promotion's “Money in the Bank” event in Toronto on Saturday.
“The 2025 Royal Rumble will be my last. The 2025 elimination chamber will be my last. And I'm here tonight to announce that in Las Vegas, Wrestlemania 2025 will be the last Wrestlemania I compete in,” Cena declared to the live audience in a video shared by WWE on social media. “I want to say thank you.”
The crowd responded with a heartfelt chant: “Thank you Cena!”
The Massachusetts-born superstar also expressed enthusiasm about Netflix's multi-billion dollar acquisition of WWE Raw rights, set to take effect in January.
“Raw makes history next year when it moves to Netflix. I've never been a part of Raw on Netflix. That is history, that is a first, and I will be there,” Cena stated.
In a post-show press conference, Cena elaborated on his retirement plans, assuring fans of his continued involvement with WWE beyond his in-ring career. He promised “a long list of dates” between January and September.
“People say they're walking away, and two years later they come back. I want to set the record straight right now, I'm done. This is it,” Cena emphasized during the press conference. “If you ever wanted to be a part of this one last time, we're going to do it as big as we can and we're fighting everybody and we hope you come enjoy the fun.”
When questioned about his stance on Vince McMahon, the former WWE CEO and founder who resigned in January amidst sexual assault allegations, Cena refrained from offering his opinion.
Instead, he expressed confidence in the WWE's future under parent company TKO Group Holdings.
In a February interview with Howard Stern, Cena had previously stated his advocacy for accountability while maintaining his role as a support system for McMahon.
“I've openly said, I love the guy, I have a great relationship with the guy, and that's that,” Cena told Stern.
The 47-year-old's WWE legacy includes 16 world championship victories over a nearly two-decade career, featuring memorable clashes with wrestling luminaries such as Kurt Angle, Triple H, and Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson.
Beyond the squared circle, Cena's diverse resume includes a 2005 studio rap album and numerous appearances in film and television. As his acting career flourished with leading roles in productions like Bumblebee, F9: The Fast Saga, and The Suicide Squad, his presence in the wrestling ring diminished.
“There were many before me, there will be many after. I guess what I have left to do is say my thank yous before that chapter closes,” Cena reflected.
As the wrestling world prepares to bid farewell to one of its most charismatic performers, Cena's impending retirement marks the end of an era in professional wrestling, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and its devoted fanbase.
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